In at the deep end - without a parachute.

Mixed metaphor above but, just hooked up with a Celtic folk/rock band, got the guitar tracks to work on and have just found out that we're playing a gig next Sunday - open air festival. Anyone got any advice on how to commit this stuff to memory quickly.

All depends on the powers of your memory..

Just read it off a song sheet as you go. Better than a load of mistakes.

I read a great article on how to commit things to memory quickly, but I can't remember what it said

sarcaster wrote:I read a great article on how to commit things to memory quickly, but I can't remember what it said

Westbone wrote:All depends on the powers of your memory..
Just read it off a song sheet as you go.

With a few exceptions, that's mostly been my way of working.

If I knew the answer to this I would be a very rich man indeed!

Good luck mate, not that you'll need it.

Cheat sheets, brother, written in Arial bold, size 16 or bigger, on the floor in front of you!! I used to have mine on the monitor wedge in front of me...

Apropos of this, I was watching Tina Turner's 2009 50th anniversary concert tonight, filmed in the Netherlands. She was fantastic...at 70 yrs of age! Still sings great. Still surprisingly sexy.

"What's the point Barry?", I hear you muttering.
Just this: all her lyrics were on TelePrompTers across the foot of the stage! And this was her own material!

Write out the tablature for the songs on 3" x 5" index cards.

Place said cards under your pillow each night.

Envision the notes migrating upwards into your cerebral cortex as you slumber.

Relax and just play. You will do great.

Thanks all. Looking forward to it. Been a long time since I gigged.

My plan has always been to focus a LOT of time towards it and play with my eyes closed.

The gig is coming whether you're ready or not.

Set aside EVERYTHING else (possible), lock yourself in a room, and play for hours every day. And DON'T play the things you already know, that's a complete waste of time. Push yourself to only play what you still need to learn. Don't go for that "comfort" lick or familiar chords as a break, push yourself onward, slowly at first then building speed. That's how muscle memory is born.

Let us know how it goes!

Studio sesh done. Didnt go too badly. Couple of wrinkles to iron out but should be ok.

Shock and awe - the (very short gig) is on. The surprise is - none of the westies cut it. Graham is right.. - teles are the bestest working no frills guitars, but I'll be taking the concord along because it's as close as it gets.

westcoaster wrote:Shock and awe - the (very short gig) is on. The surprise is - none of the westies cut it. Graham is right.. - teles are the bestest working no frills guitars, but I'll be taking the concord along because it's as close as it gets.

You next assignment then, Mr. Phelps... should you choose to accept it...

http://www.rivercityamps.com/electrapage/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071008-032242

westcoaster wrote:Shock and awe - the (very short gig) is on. The surprise is - none of the westies cut it. Graham is right.. - teles are the bestest working no frills guitars, but I'll be taking the concord along because it's as close as it gets.

What do you mean "didn't cut it"

Thought you have a Tele type you made up from parts?

Didn't cut it is unfair to be honest. The sound from the DIY tele just seems to sit better in the mix. Probably for the best. Wouldnt want to risk the prestige at an open air gig with lots of people wandering about.

So your taking the Concord then

Yep

westcoaster wrote:Didn't cut it is unfair to be honest. The sound from the DIY tele just seems to sit better in the mix. Probably for the best. Wouldnt want to risk the prestige at an open air gig with lots of people wandering about.

Is there keys in the band? I have just started a function band and am lookng for a keys player does this mean I'll have to be nice to " the Wife" to get a tele in case my Strat doesn't cut through?

IanO wrote:

westcoaster wrote:Didn't cut it is unfair to be honest. The sound from the DIY tele just seems to sit better in the mix. Probably for the best. Wouldnt want to risk the prestige at an open air gig with lots of people wandering about.

Is there keys in the band? I have just started a function band and am lookng for a keys player does this mean I'll have to be nice to " the Wife" to get a tele in case my Strat doesn't cut through?

I'm confused...

You mean to say your wife isn't frequently pushing you links to online classified listings and auctions in an effort to "assist" you in the procurement of said Tele??...


... or any other guit that has tweaked her fancy?

This is her once in a lifetime month off!

Gig over - total buzz, looking forward to the next one. Not going to lie, I was s****ing my self and made a few mistakes but dont think they were too obvious. Only had a week to get ready so not too bothered.

Congrats, it's a hell of a buzz, especially when it's been so long between gigs.

It is a buzz! Did you get scared during a solo? Last time I had a live solo I got so scared that my hands went all light-headed.

The guitar neck felt about 20 foot long with a 1 inch action.

I can relate. It gets better with time I guess!

Biggest issue I had was how different it sounded as opposed to practicing. Very much a case of trust your bandmates and the sound engineer because pretty much all I could hear was drums and bass.